Adam Boddens 1628 of London, weaver

Adam Boddens first wife was Sarah de Backer daughter of John de Backer (Will 1611) and sister of Susan de Backer who married John van Brugg. Sarah de Backer's brothers are Toby (Will 1603), Abraham, John and James (husband of Sarah Van Damme (Will 1625)). Adam's second wife Anne Oudart was the widow of Ezekias LeRoy. These …

Margaret Jacobs 1570 of London, widow

Margaret Jacobs is the widow of Henry Lyvens (Will 1569). Her beneficiaries include a school mistress and her bequests include children's clothes, though neither she nor her husband mention having children of their own.  Summary Will date: 11 June 1570Executors: Melchior van As, Gyles van HieleWitnesses:Anne Gorret, the wife of Martin de Visser, Katharine the wife of John …

Thomas Thursby 1510 of Lynn Bishop, Norfolk, merchant

Thomas Thursby / Thoresby is a burgess and merchant in Lynn who was mayor three times. He created Thorseby College in Lynn and a Chapel in St Margaret's Church. His widow Elizabeth (Will 1518) was previously married to Robert Aylmer. Summary Will Date: Seal Date: 3 May 15102 June 1510Executors: Francis Moundford, son Thomas Thuresby, Thomas Guybon, William …

John Love 1679 of Rector of Greatham, Hampshire

John Love is the son of John Love of Basing and Rebecca Eyre. He wants his son, who is nine years old, to be well educated. His possessions include books and a clock, and also the stock and implements of a typical husbandman. Summary Will Date: 21 September 1679Executor: Wife ElizabethOverseers:NoneWitnesses:  Peter Binstead, Alice Collier, Jane Hunt[?] People:Wife ElizabethSon …

Stephen Beckingham 1611 of Tolleshunt Darcy, Essex

Stephen Beckingham is the son of Stephen Beckingham of Bygrave (Will 1558 and 1562) and brother of Thomas (Will 1596). Childless himself, he wishes the property to remain within the Beckingham family and mentions various relatives and St Johns College Oxford. Summary Will Date:4 July 1606Executor:Stephen Beckingham son of his brother Thomas BeckinghamOverseer:Kinsman Lord PetreWitnesses:John …

Thomas Beckingham 1596 of Tolleshunt Major, Essex

Thomas Beckingham is the son of Stephen Beckingham of Bygrave (Will 1558 and 1562) and brother of Stephen Beckingham (Will 1611). His will contains interesting details such as the education of his younger son, the bequest of his artillary to his elder son, and the names of the horses and cow left to his wife. …

William Martyn 1537 of West Smithfield, London, gentleman

William Martyn's will has many interesting social, religious and linguistic details. His bequests to his wife are made 'as though she were a stranger and not my wife', and he suggests some of his books may 'be mete to lye in wyndows for comyn lernying of the lokers on them'. His daughter Isabel is the …

William Tashe 1580 of Moulton, Lincolnshire, yeoman

William Tashe supports the local school and leaves money for apprenticeships. He mentions many local people, though it is unclear whether they are relatives. Summary Will Date:20 October 1580Executors:Anthony Irbye of Whaplode and Charles Browne of SpaldingSupervisors:Mr Rawlins schoolmaster of Moulton and George Hall of WestonWitnesses:John Rawlins, Thomas Chinnock, John Wolsey, John Jopes, George Hall.Thomas …

James Underwood 1558 of Bixley, Norfolk

James Underwood makes provision for the upbringing and education of his very large family. His widow Margaret, nee Bowes, remarries to Ralph Bayspoole. The eldest son is Robert (of Cromer, Will 1588) and a younger son Thomas is to be 'ruled' by his uncle Richard, who was Archdeacon of Norwich. Summary Will Date:10 January 1557Executor:Wife …

John vander Beke the elder 1594 of London and Bruges

John vander Beke leaves money to the Dutch Church in London, Norwich and Sandwich, and to the French and Italian Churches in London. He is mindful of the possibility of these immigrant communties being obliged to leave. He provides funding for education in London and Bruges and mentions family and friends in both England and …